Refuge II

2014, Nevele (BE)

Spring

We were asked by our client, diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), to adapt his house with an eye on the future. After meeting the ergo therapist, we knew we had no time to spare considering the aggressive nature of the condition.

It’s a temporary project.

The existing concrete carport was chosen for the project as a result of the limitation in adaptability of the existing house. Of course a barrier-free floor plan was a major concern, but what came to me as being even more important was mental accessibility. There is no hope to heal. There is a need for a universal hope, helping each other, involvement, engagement, friendship beyond limits.

How can we make architecture with this? Why not building with friends and family? With materials everybody knows from their childhood. Straw and lime referring to the playground, the smell, the memory…

Summer

More than a 100 friends and family contributed in constructing Refuge II. With tutoring from/and more complicated jobs done by professionals like sustainable heating and ventilation (with heat recuperation) system or domotica to manage doors, curtains, lighting,… controllable by the client. While building, coffee, tea, great food, beer and the best wines, were served to celebrate life.

Fall

Everyone being involved recognized him/herself in Refuge II. They were part of it, It created a mental accessibility. The focus changed from disease and death to hope and future.

Winter

Everything will be taken away.

As fertile 83% (lime and straw) will be spread out over the landscape.

Technical equipment (sponsored) will be taken back by the professionals. Glass, metal, wood,… will be recycled. Although this attitude, there is the human investment. The ritual. The cycle of life.

Photos by Filip Dujardin, Erica Overmeersch and Wim Goes Architectuur

2014, Nevele (BE)

Spring

We were asked by our client, diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), to adapt his house with an eye on the future. After meeting the ergo therapist, we knew we had no time to spare considering the aggressive nature of the condition.

It’s a temporary project.

The existing concrete carport was chosen for the project as a result of the limitation in adaptability of the existing house. Of course a barrier-free floor plan was a major concern, but what came to me as being even more important was mental accessibility. There is no hope to heal. There is a need for a universal hope, helping each other, involvement, engagement, friendship beyond limits.

How can we make architecture with this? Why not building with friends and family? With materials everybody knows from their childhood. Straw and lime referring to the playground, the smell, the memory…

Summer

More than a 100 friends and family contributed in constructing Refuge II. With tutoring from/and more complicated jobs done by professionals like sustainable heating and ventilation (with heat recuperation) system or domotica to manage doors, curtains, lighting,… controllable by the client. While building, coffee, tea, great food, beer and the best wines, were served to celebrate life.

Fall

Everyone being involved recognized him/herself in Refuge II. They were part of it, It created a mental accessibility. The focus changed from disease and death to hope and future.

Winter

Everything will be taken away.

As fertile 83% (lime and straw) will be spread out over the landscape.

Technical equipment (sponsored) will be taken back by the professionals. Glass, metal, wood,… will be recycled. Although this attitude, there is the human investment. The ritual. The cycle of life.